Month: June 2014

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2014

Mike Barnhart holds thecurrent lead Pike 33 1/2″, 8.17 lbs.

Warm weather and hungry fish, everyone should be happy.
In last weeks fishing report we were delighted to tell that the DNR resumed walleye stockings on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell. Lake Mitchell received 70,406 fingerlings and Lake Cadillac 29,431.

This week things got even better. The Fisheries Unit from Bay City planted 129,893 Most fingerlings in Lake Mitchell and 105,151 in Lake Cadillac.

Do the math. In the last two weeks 200,299 fingerling walleye were added to Lake Mitchell. Lake Cadillac the smaller of the two, 134,582 were added. DNR Fisheries Biologist, Mark Tonello said, “in three to four rears, I suspect walleye fishing in both Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell will be very good.” Thanks to the Fisheries Guys, this is a Big Deal.

After the long hard fight, the very tired musky was kept in the water but held along side for a crude length measurement. Without leaving the water, the very old fish slowly swam off.

There has been great fishing reports in Northern Michigan as the water is still cold so the gills are on the beds and lots of them being caught.

Houghton Lake they are off the beds but big gills are biting on slip bobbers and leeches from 4 to 12 feet along the edge of the weed bed.

Margrethe has been good for walleye, perch and gills.

Portage Lake has been good for walleye and gills.

Perch have been biting at Big Glen and Long Lake by Traverse City

Boardman River has been great for walleyes this week with leeches your best bet.

East and West Twin by Lewiston has been great for walleye this week

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Harbor Springs: Boat anglers usually target lake trout outside Harbor Point. Those looking for smallmouth bass were fishing near the permanent structures east of Wequetonsing (the pier at Roaring Brook) and near the north shore of Petoskey State Park. They also did well fishing in shallow water around the docks. Anglers report that smallmouth bass are finally starting to bed. Try crank baits or soft plastic worms.

Petoskey: Surface water temperatures dropped to 47 degrees. Boat pressure was low with only a few out trolling 25 to 90 feet down for lake trout. Most of the fish caught were under the legal limit of 20 inches. Boats were trolling Bay Shore, in front of Bay Harbor, and east towards Petoskey State Park. While most smallmouth bass anglers were fishing the Harbor Springs side of the bay, one boat did well near the Bay View Pier. Those fishing near the mouth of the Bear River caught smallmouth bass and rock bass on crawlers, soft plastics and spinners. Rumor has it a couple walleye were caught after dark. Pier anglers caught the occasional smallmouth bass and pike. Try small crank baits or a jig with a twisty tail.

Charlevoix: Boat fishing was still slow with only a few lake trout taken in 40 to 70 feet. The fish are still suspended and scattered but most say 10 feet off the bottom is usually good. Walleye fishing was slow in the channel but a few were taken on crank baits after dark. Pier anglers caught a couple lake trout off the end when using spoons or crank baits. Catch rates are improving in the channel for smallmouth early or late. Try crank baits or jigs with soft plastics. Cisco were caught in the channel at various times of the day and carp are still cruising.

Bear River: Anglers caught a couple steelhead on spawn. A 16 inch smallmouth bass was caught up near the dam.

Traverse City: The East Bay has good smallmouth bass fishing. Bass were spotted on the beds. Try 2 to 10 feet of water with spinners, tube baits, or plastics. Lake trout were caught by those trolling spoons or spin-glows in 10 to 50 feet. The West Bay also has good smallmouth action in shallow waters especially in rocky areas. Lake trout were caught by those trolling spoons in 15 to 60 feet.

Elk River: Had good smallmouth bass fishing between the dam and the mouth. Crawlers, leeches, and tube baits worked best.

Boardman River: Is producing smallmouth bass, rock bass, carp, and the occasional perch near the Union Street Dam. Live baits work best.

Platte Bay: Fishing has slowed. Some were still finding lake trout two miles out. Those surfcasting with body baits caught steelhead and walleye.

Platte River: Smallmouth bass are spawning upstream from Loon Lake. Suckers can be found between the hatchery and the lake.

Frankfort: Had great fishing from the Herring Hole to the Point. Chinook were hitting like crazy 25 to 60 feet down in 50 to 120 feet. Chinook and steelhead were hitting on greens, blues and orange. The bigger chinook seem to be hitting meat rigs later in the day. Brown trout are still in the harbor and pier anglers have caught them on alewife. Those trolling around the piers did well on gold and black body baits.

Onekama: Anglers heading straight out from the piers and trolling 30 to 60 feet down in 90 to 130 feet caught some nice chinook in the early morning. Slim or mini lures in green or blue worked best.

Portage Lake: The mayfly hatch is done so bass and panfish are starting to hit in 14 to 19 feet. Working the drop-offs and weed beds has produced some nice bass. Water temperatures are up and walleye anglers caught a few fish when trolling crawler harnesses and body baits in the early morning or at night.

Manistee: Boat anglers are doing well for salmon and steelhead. Try 30 to 80 feet down in 80 to 180 feet with orange and green spoons or red and green meat rigs. Pier fishing for brown trout is slow.

Manistee River: The hex hatch has been ongoing. It is late this year due to the cold spring we had. Anglers caught some nice fish when the bugs do come off.

Ludington: Salmon and steelhead are being caught 20 to 80 feet down in 80 to 160 feet with orange and blue spoons or green and blue meat rigs. Pier fishing is slow

Pere Marquette River: Patience is the key during the fly hatch. Anglers have caught some nice fish when the bugs do come off.

Pentwater: Was producing some fish a mile or two north of the pier. Most were fishing 40 to 50 feet down in 100 to 140 feet deep. While some boats did fairly well others came in with empty coolers.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Is producing lake trout. The fish are both on the bottom and scattered throughout the water column. The better fishing was in 45 to 65 feet. Try cowbells or dodgers with spin glows or spoons. Good colors were green, white, blue and silver. Chinook and steelhead are starting to show up but no real numbers yet. Those targeting them are only getting a couple fish straight out or south of the harbor and up near Seagull Point. Some are heading up past Forty Mile Point and fishing the structure or south past the Dynamite Shack and fishing 40 to 90 feet. Lead core is good up high for steelhead. For spoons try orange, purple and silver, green and blue, green and orange, blue and silver or anything that glows early and late. Several Atlantic salmon were caught this past week.

Long Lake: Fishing activity has started to pick up with some walleye caught. Bass and panfish spawning were slow.

Alpena: Had a lot of boats heading out at night and fishing for walleye. The best results were in shallow water along the city shoreline or Sulphur Island with body baits or crawler harnesses. Those heading out in the morning had limited success when trolling for walleye. One day will be really good and the next day will be slow because of water temperatures. Thunder Bay Island has been great for lake trout. Anglers are fishing the bottom half of the water column with spoons, dodgers and cowbells with spin glows. Those fishing higher in the water column caught the occasional chinook salmon.

Harrisville: Is producing walleye, trout and salmon. Walleye were caught in 12 to 25 feet on body baits and crawler harnesses off planer boards and long lines. For lake trout, fish 80 to 120 feet with spoons, cut bait and flies. Salmon and steelhead are 20 to 50 feet down in 60 to 80 feet. Try lead core, planer boards and downriggers. Hot colors were blue, orange or black and pearl.

Oscoda: Boat anglers are doing well for steelhead and salmon in 40 to 80 feet with spoons, body baits or spin-glows. Lake trout are suspended off the bottom in 70 to 100 feet. Spoons with flashers seem to be the best attractants. Pier anglers did well early and late.

Au Sable River: Walleye are moving into the river in good numbers. Boats drifting from the bridge to the mouth are doing very well. Most are using crawlers and leeches with split shot to adjust for the current.

Higgins Lake: Continues to provide good rock bass fishing for anglers of all ages. Try minnows, crawlers or wax worms. Those trolling have done well for lake trout in 80 to 100 feet with body baits.

Houghton Lake: Was producing walleye, crappie and even a few jumbo perch.

Tawas: Boat anglers are running to the north side of Big Charity Island and getting walleyes in 30 to 35 feet. A few fish were also taken near Buoy #2. A couple boats were heading south around the tip of Tawas Point and then going north for salmon and lake trout. Chinook and lake trout were caught in 50 feet. Pier fishing was slow with only a few large or smallmouth bass and rock bass caught.

Tawas River: Shore anglers fishing the lower river caught a few smallmouth bass. Catfish were caught at night.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Keweenaw Bay: Had good fishing with anglers taking a mix of coho, chinook, rainbow trout, lake trout, splake and brown trout when trolling 30 to 50 feet down in 40 to 60 feet of water. Most are trolling between the Baraga Marina or the L’Anse Marina and the head of the bay. Some were trolling as far north as Carla’s Restaurant on U.S.-41. Trolling speed was between 1.8 and 2.3 mph. In Traverse Bay, anglers fished off Big Louie’s and Gay Point for lake trout in 130 to 180 feet with spoons but the bite was slow. A couple fish were taken by those jigging in waters 20 to 260 feet deep off Big Louie’s Point. No report for the South Portage Entry.

Lake Antoine: Pier, shore and boat anglers have caught a good number of panfish when still-fishing or drifting with live bait. Most of the fish were smaller but boat anglers did catch some very nice bluegills, yellow perch and crappie. The bass fishery is still producing some nice large and smallmouth for those casting crank baits near the weeds.

Marquette: Dense patchy fog is making it hard to anglers to get out. A couple steelhead were caught at the mouth of the Carp River. Catch rates for salmon dropped with only a few chinook or coho taken. Lake trout action was fair. A few anglers had good catches near the Sand River and Shot Point when using spoons in 100 to 160 feet. Those fishing deeper had little success. Catch rates were slow for those fishing near the Sand Hole and north of Granite Island towards the “Clay Banks”. Surface water temperatures were in the low to mid 40’s.

Little Bay De Noc: South to southeast winds created good walleye conditions between the Ford River and Breezy Point. Walleye anglers reported good to excellent catches using crawler’s with harnesses in 8 to 10 feet. Some went south down by Round Island and reported the same in 6 to 14 feet. The rest of the Bay reported less action although catches were reported at the mouth of the Escanaba River, the east bank in Gladstone and the First and Second Reefs in Kipling. Most catches were in 14 to 28 feet with crawler harnesses. Smallmouth catches were down and fewer anglers were fishing them. The Ford River area is still best with fair catches in 6 to 8 feet with plastics, spinners and crawlers. A few largemouth bass were caught in Kipling along the West Bank using spinners in 10 to 14 feet. Perch fishing was fair with minnows or crawlers in 10 to 14 feet at Kipling, 20 to 26 feet along the Narrows and 14 to 20 feet up by the Days River. No salmon to report.

Big Bay De Noc: Smallmouth bass catches were down. Garden Bay, South River, Ogontz and up near the Fish Dam Rivers all reported similar results for those casting and trolling plastics, crank baits, spinners or crawlers in 6 to 12 feet. The walleye started moving south and catch rates were fair. Fish can still be found at the “Boot” and out to Kate’s Bay but some are further south by Garden Bluff. Best catches were in 8 to 18 feet using crawlers with harnesses. Fairport had a few anglers trying to salmon but catch rates slow. Water temperatures remain cold with surface temperatures in the mid 50’s but 70 to 80 feet down were in the mid to high 30’s.

Au Train: Boat anglers launching at the Brownstone landing continue to do best for lake trout with catches averaging from one to some parties limiting out. Fish were caught from the Shelter Bay flats along the edge in 140 to 180 feet to east of Au Train Island and near Wood Island. Most are using downriggers but some are using planer boards or dipseys and high-lines for salmon. Catch rates for chinook did drop off over the past week but a few were still targeting them near the mouth of the Au Train River and along the shore near Scott Falls. Dense fog due to cold water temperatures has restricted anglers from venturing too far from shore.

Munising: Boat anglers caught a mix of chinook, splake and lake trout but catch rates have slowed. Most are fishing in Munising Bay and around Grand Island. Surface water temperatures were 45 to 52 degrees. Pier angling was slow and catch rates were poor with only a couple small splake taken on worms or spawn.

Grand Marais: Pier angling dropped off as catch rates decreased dramatically. The average size of whitefish also decreased. Some did catch the occasional coho, pike or menominee. Evening was better than morning fishing. Boat angling activity has shifted mainly to lake trout fishing. Excellent catches were reported north and west of the bay from three to six miles out in the shipping channels and near Sable Point. Most of the fish were between 2 and 4 pounds but a few bigger ones were also caught and several reported limit catches. Shore anglers near the marina reported slow catch rates with only a few coho, pike or steelhead caught.

St. Mary’s River: Fishing is getting better for Atlantic salmon as we approach the month of July. Eight and ten pound fish are being caught throughout the day casting fly type baits or trolling slender crank baits 4 to 6 feet below the surface along the entire length of the discharge side of the power plant. Lake whitefish are also being caught drifting wax worms on the discharge side. In the bay off Lake Nicolet, a few walleye were caught in the evening in 4 to 6 feet when using bottom bouncers, gold spinner blades with crawler harnesses. Lake George had excellent pike fishing when trolling 6 inch crank baits in and around Gem Island and Hay Pointe. It seems the walleye fishing has slowed. The water is still cold in Raber Bay and near Lime Island. No walleye to report. Maud Bay is producing some nice smallmouth bass 16 to 18 inches. Try jigging tube baits off the rocky points in 4 to 6 feet.

Detour: Had no reports on walleye off Sweets Point. Again, cold water temperatures seem to slow the bite. Those heading out caught a few Atlantic salmon, lake trout and chinook around the lighthouse when using blue, green and white or gold spoons.

Cedarville and Hessel: Those fishing with chubs for pike are doing well along the south and east shores of Hessel Bay and off the marina pier early or late, in Musky Bay, Middle Entrance, and along the north shore of Government Bay. Perch fishing in Cedarville Bay is fair, and bass fishing remains good. Try casting spinner baits in shallow water.

St. Ignace: The city launch and the Carp River have been slow.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Walleye are still being taken in Ohio waters around West Sister Island, along the Michigan-Ohio border, straight out from Stony Point and up near the Fermi Power Plant. Fish were caught in 24 to 30 feet with most coming from 27 feet when using crawler harnesses and spoons with divers. Try purple or copper on all presentations. Perch numbers are increasing in Brest Bay but were even better near Stony Point in 24 feet of water. Try jigging minnows.

Detroit River: Is producing walleye in the Trenton Channel near Humbug and Calf Island. Anglers are jigging or trolling crawler harnesses. Perch were caught around Sugar Island.

Portage Chain-of-Lakes: Water levels are up. Bluegills are starting to pull off their beds. Pike and bass are being caught around the points and weedy flats. The drop-off around the sunken island on Baseline Lake is producing good numbers of bass and bluegill. For bass try a blue or green jig with a trailer and pitch the deep weed beds. Carp and gar are in the shallows so this is a great time for bow-fishing.

Port Sanilac: Boat anglers are getting a mix of trout and salmon. Chinook, coho and pink salmon were taken about halfway down in 70 to 100 feet. Steelhead are in the top 10 to 15 feet and lake trout were caught just off the bottom. Pink salmon seem to be everywhere this year but they are running small. A few perch were caught by those drift fishing. Anglers averaged 10 to 12 keepers per boat. The weed beds are coming up slow this year because of the late spring and cold water temperatures.

Harbor Beach: Lake trout are can be found in 60 to 140 feet. Try dodgers or spin doctors with spin-glows just off the bottom or spoons 50 to 100 feet down. Salmon and steelhead are hitting on spoons. Fly hatches are taking place and the fish are eating them up. Hot colors were orange or purple with black, gold with orange and black, silver or black with glow. Walleye fishing is still slow, but a few were taken from the wall or trolling close to shore. Try early morning and late evening casting small body baits and spoons for best results. Perch colors and silver with black were good. Bass were caught inside the harbor but otherwise pier fishing was slow.

Grindstone City: Is producing good catches of steelhead and lake trout in 60 to 80 feet and limit catches lake trout just off the bottom in 140 feet.

Port Austin: The boat launch and ramp are finally open!

Saginaw Bay: Had good to excellent walleye fishing. Anglers have done well in 10 feet off the Pinconning Bar, 16 feet off Gambil’s Marina, Buoys 1 & 2, the old Dumping Grounds, in 20 feet two miles east of the Spark Plug, 6 to 8 feet off Finn Road and the Callahan Reef, 12 to 16 feet along the Slot from Sunset Bay Marina to North Island, 10 to 20 feet along the west side of The Bar, and Wildfowl Bay. Some are taking limit catches but most are getting some fish every trip. Crawler harnesses work best but Hot-n-Tots have also taken fish. Hot colors were blue and chrome, black and orange backs, black and gold or purple.

Saginaw River: Those trolling in the lower river between the mouth and the Coast Guard Station are catching walleye. Shore anglers at Smith Park caught catfish, freshwater drum and the occasional smallmouth bass.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Salmon fishing has slowed. Anglers are targeting waters 100 feet or deeper. Perch fishing is slow but a few were taken in 40 to 50 feet. Pier anglers continue to catch freshwater drum and catfish.

South Haven: Boat anglers say salmon fishing is very inconsistent. Most are targeting waters between 60 to 100 feet or more. Pier anglers are taking good catches of freshwater drum but steelhead fishing was slow. Perch fishing is slow.

Kalamazoo River: Is producing pike and bass. The occasional walleye was caught.

Grand Haven: Salmon were caught 50 to 70 feet down in 80 to 100 feet. Try mini or regular spoons in blue or green or spinnie/fly bites. Pier fishing was hit-or-miss. Anglers are still catching alewife but chinook and steelhead were few and far between. Most have caught freshwater drum and channel cats. No perch to report.

Grand River in Grand Rapids: Is producing a fair to good number of channel and flathead catfish. Live baits work best. Skamania were caught on eggs and fly’s. A few walleye were taken on body baits, crawlers and minnows. Millennium Park had good bass fishing.

Grand River at Lansing: Continues to provide fair to good fishing for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, rock bass and even some bluegills.

Ingham County: Fishing and boating activity has been high especially on the weekends. Anglers were taking more limit catches of panfish on the inland lakes and rivers.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014

Diane Thomas reluctantly holds the 26 1/2″ Bowfin

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell were stocked this week with Spring Fingerling Walleyes. Lake Mitchell received 70,406 fingerlings and Lake Cadillac 29,431. Don’t know how they count them but the numbers are adding up. Hats off to the Fisheries Division for their dedication.

This Springs Walleye Opener was successful thanks to maintaining the stocking program. Several in the 20 to 24″ range were reported from past stockings. Anglers often talk of catching undersized, so the numbers keep coming. Don’t know if the stories of the great catches from the “old days” are true but the potential for pan fried walleye is possible thanks to the DNR’S help. Hats off to them.

Those who catch walleye on a consistent basis are quite secretive. Currently we do know trolling crawler harnesses over bottom bouncers is working. Others catch their share slip bobber fishing with leeches. The deep water on the East Side of Cadillac is the place too start.

Pilgrim Village Free Fishing Contest:
Standings may change daily but current as of Sunday 6/22. New leaders for Pike, Walleye, Bluegill and Dogfish.

SKAMANIA – Summer Run Steelhead
The Department of Natural Resources is hosting a Summer Steelhead Clinic at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillaac June 28 and 29.

On June 28 a five hour session includes tips and instruction on gear by experts. On June 29th the class meets at Tippy Dam for hands-on instruction. For further information call 231-779-1321 or email Ed Shaw at shawe@michigan.gov.

This Master Angler size Bluegill was caught by Dan Tompkins on Fish Lake.

Rain, wind has been bad this week and has effected fishing but today fish have started to bite again.

Bluegills are on the beds in Northern Michigan and good reports.

Walleye have been slow after the wind and rains as water is very cloudy.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Harbor Springs: Lake Trout anglers are fishing both inside and outside of Harbor Point. Lake trout were caught in shallow waters by those using dipseys. Bass anglers are fishing near permanent structures east of Wequeotonsing (the pier at Roaring Brook) and the north shore of Petoskey State Park. Smallmouth bass were also caught inside the harbor. Try crank baits and soft plastic worms. Smallmouth bass were still on the beds and beginning to pair up. The females caught were full of eggs.

Petoskey: Strong winds must have turned the water over because surface temperatures dropped from 51 to 45 degrees. A few boats heading out did catch lake trout 15 to 80 feet down in a variety of depths. Fish were caught in 40 feet near Bay Harbor. Spoons and cowbells or yellow peanuts worked best. Those fishing near the mouth of the Bear River on the D Pier caught smallmouth, rock bass, freshwater drum and carp. Try crawlers, soft plastics or spinners for bass.

Charlevoix: Boat fishing did pick up. A good number of lake trout were caught in a variety of depths from North Point to the Cement Plant. Many are trolling the drop-off with dodgers and spoons. A couple chinook salmon were caught near Cathead Bay which is near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. Walleye fishing was slow in the channel. Pier anglers managed to catch a couple lake trout and cisco on crank baits. Smallmouth bass are in the area but catch rates were slow. Carp are moving through the channel.

Lake Charlevoix: Tournament anglers reported a large number of cisco around Hemingway Point and Loeb Bay.

Bear River: Water levels were still a bit low and few anglers were fishing. Those trying have caught the occasional steelhead near the dam. Try spawn bags.

Traverse City: The East Bay is producing lake trout and whitefish in 20 to 60 feet. Smallmouth bass action was hit-or-miss. Look for warmer water and try tube baits. Good colors were green and brown. In the West Bay, smallmouth bass were caught on tube baits and other artificials in shallow water. Lake trout were taken by those trolling in 40 to 70 feet.

Boardman River: Has plenty of carp and smallmouth bass. Most of the bass were caught on live bait but plastics and crank baits were also producing.

Frankfort: Water temperatures ranged 44 to 48 degrees in some areas. This was good news for brown trout anglers as several were caught in the harbor. Hot colors were gold and black or silver and black. Chinook salmon fishing was good but the baitfish were shallow or deep depending on wind direction.

Onekama: Anglers had good catches of chinook, steelhead, brown trout and lake trout in the top 75 feet of waters 105 to 140 feet deep with green or blue spoons.

Portage Lake: The mayfly hatch was in full bloom so anglers were having trouble finding fish that were not full. Bass anglers did well in 14 to 18 feet along the drop-off. Walleye anglers caught a few fish near the Portage Point Inn on crawler harnesses or body baits.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Are producing bluegill, crappie and even some perch. The better fishing in Lake Mitchell is usually in the coves. Leeches are good bait this time of year. Those fishing the weed beds early and late or the drop-offs are taking some bass. Try leeches, minnows, crawlers, crank baits or spinners.

Manistee: Boat anglers are doing well for trout and salmon 30 to 80 feet down in 80 to 160 feet of water with orange or green spoons and red or purple meat rigs. Pier anglers using live bait have caught a few chinook or brown trout.

Manistee River: Is producing steelhead below Tippy Dam. Anglers are using flies, spinners and rapalas. Those fishing the backwaters have caught panfish and smallmouth bass.

Ludington: Boat anglers are getting trout and salmon 20 to 70 feet down in 60 to 160 feet. Most are using orange, green or blue spoons.

Pere Marquette River: Is also producing steelhead and brown trout. With all the fly hatches, this is the time for fly fishing but fish have also been caught on small spinners or rapalas.

Pentwater: Lake Michigan anglers had a hard time finding fish. The ones that did caught mostly coho about 49 feet down in 70 to 90 feet straight out from the piers. Overall fishing was slow. Those heading to Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Little Sable Point caught only a few chinook or steelhead.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Burt Lake: Was producing some walleye in the evening.

Rogers City: Is producing more chinook salmon along with a mixed bag of Atlantic, pink, coho, steelhead and lake trout. Most are fishing up towards Forty Mile Point and the State Park or down near Swan Bay and Adams Point. Some are using short segments of lead core in 1,2,3 or 5 colors or segments of copper less than 150 feet. Fish were taken on downriggers fished up and down the water column. Lake trout were caught on spoons and attractors with spin glows or peanuts. Salmon are hitting spoons. Hot colors were orange, silver, blues, greens and yellow or anything that glows early and late. Most were trolling vertical in 40 to 80 feet. Atlantic salmon were caught in the top 20 of waters 40 feet deep with bright orange or silver.

Alpena: Walleye fishing was spotty. A lot of anglers are trolling crawler harnesses or body baits at night. Those trolling along Mischiwis Beach when the winds are right did catch a few walleye early in the day. Those fishing the Nine Mile Can and Thunder Bay Island caught chinook and pink salmon, steelhead and lake trout on a variety of spoons, attractors, spin glows or peanuts. Good colors were green, orange, blue and silver.

Harrisville: Fishing was steady with salmon, trout and walleye caught north of the harbor to the lighthouse. Lake trout, salmon and steelhead were caught in 50 to 100 feet with downriggers, dipseys, lead core and planer boards with spoons, cut bait or body baits in a variety of colors. Walleye were caught around the harbor walls and shallow waters early or late on crawler harnesses or body baits.

Oscoda: Salmon and lake trout are being caught in 60 to 120 feet. Spoons, body baits and cut bait are all producing. Pier anglers are picking up some channel cats off the end of the pier in the late evening.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are still making their way up in good numbers and can be found on the beds. Walleye are being caught in the early morning or late evening. Try crawlers, leeches or body baits.

Higgins Lake: Is producing lots of rock bass along the drop-offs in 30 to 40 feet near the Sunken Island and the Main Island. Try minnows, wax worms or crawlers. Perch were caught in the same area however deeper in 40 to 50 feet. Lake trout were caught just off the bottom in 80 to 100 feet by those trolling body baits and cowbells or when vertical jigging Swedish pimples or krocodiles. A few whitefish were also caught by those jigging. Good smallmouth bass fishing near the rocks around the Main Island when drifting crawlers.

Houghton Lake: Anglers are getting the occasional walleye in 6 to 8 feet along the weeds. Most are drifting leeches and crawler harnesses. A few bass were caught in canals and the bluegills are done spawning and have moved to deeper water.

Tawas: Pier fishing is in ‘summer mode’ with an assortment of largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass and carp being caught. It might still be possible to catch a walleye outside the walleye at night. Most boats were still heading to Au Gres.

Tawas River: Is producing some catfish, smallmouth bass and freshwater drum for shore anglers fishing near the mouth.

Au Gres: Continues to have high fishing pressure. Anglers have caught lots of walleye between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres or two to three miles south of Pointe Au Gres. Some of the bigger walleye were caught north of the Charity Islands in 50 to 60 feet. Many are taking limit catches. A few bass anglers were heading out to the Charity Islands to fish for smallmouth.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Keweenaw Bay: The ice is finally gone and the bite is slow but steady for chinook, coho, rainbow trout and splake. Anglers are trolling in 20 to 60 feet with a mix of spoons and body baits in a variety of colors. Lake trout were caught by those jigging off the Whirl-I-Gig, Old Mission on US-41 and Pequaming. Try 180 to 260 feet with a ¾ to 1.5 ounce jig with cut bait. Lake trout anglers in Traverse Bay caught fish off Big Louie’s and Gay Point when trolling spoons in 130 to 180 feet. Those jigging off Big Louie’s Point caught fish in 20 to 260 feet. The South Portage Entry was good for lake trout off Farmers, Newton’s and the Big Reef when trolling 50 to 100 feet down in 60 to 130 feet. Try spoons or body baits. Salmon were caught by those trolling 15 to 25 feet down in 20 to 30 feet along US-41.

Lake Antoine: Was producing some nice bluegills and perch. Anglers had to move around to find them but once they did, catch rates were fair. Most are drifting crawlers or a jig and crawler. Bass anglers are happy with the number of fish caught and the size. Most are casting crank baits from a boat. Shore anglers are catching lots of panfish but most are running small. No word on pike.

Marquette: Had good lake trout action but the chinook, brown trout and splake were a little slower. Lake trout are hitting on assorted spoons east of the port, north of Granite Island and near Little Presque Isle. Best area for chinook and brown trout was east of the Chocolay River towards Sand River and Shot Point. Surface water temperatures were in the upper 40’s but low 50’s closer to shore. Those shore fishing at the Carp River reported slow fishing.

Little Bay De Noc: Had fair to good walleye action throughout. Several fly hatches may have slowed catch rates but overall fishing was good in 18 to 30 feet along the Kipling Flats and the Second Reef or 12 to 18 feet off Garth Point. Some also caught fish near the Escanaba River and the Ford River. Smallmouth bass anglers reported good catches near the mouth of the Ford River when using plastics, crank baits or crawlers in 3 to 7 feet. Perch anglers had mixed results. The better fishing was in 18 to 23 feet near Kipling or 16 to 34 feet near Gladstone. Crawlers and minnows were the ticket.

Big Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers reported good catches at the head of the Bay. Anglers were trolling crawler harnesses in 13 to 18 feet just north of the “Boot” and into Kate’s Bay. Smallmouth bass fishing had mixed results. Fish were caught in Kate’s Bay, Garden Bay, the Fish Dam River the South River area and most of the fish were males. Anglers used plastics, crank baits and crawlers in 3 to 10 feet when casting or trolling. Several nice catches of pike were taken between Ansell’s Point and Kate’s Bay by those trolling crawler harnesses or crank baits in 10 to 14 feet. At Fairport, a few anglers have started salmon fishing. The better catches came 60 to 80 feet down in 90 feet in the “Gap” when using dipseys and spoons. It is still early and water temperatures were 46 to 50 degrees.

Au Train: Fishing pressure increased for lake trout in the early morning. Most were averaging five to ten fish per trip. Chinook were also caught. Lake trout anglers are fishing east of Au Train Island, along the shipping channel and around Wood Island Reef in 150 to 200 feet. Fish were caught on spoons, flies or cut bait within 25 feet of the bottom. Chinook were caught in the early morning near the rivers, the east end of Shelter Bay and near Laughing Whitefish Point.

St. Mary’s River: The walleye bite has been very slow along the upper reaches. Northern pike and a few bass were caught in and around Lake Nicolet. Some nice rainbow trout were taken on the discharge side of the Cloverland Electric Power House. Fish ranging 6 to 8 pounds were taken by those casting or trolling crank baits in the early morning especially on overcast days. Water temperatures are still cold at 48 to 52 degrees in Raber Bay and Lime Island. No walleye to report. Look for bays with southern exposure and baitfish in warmer waters. Water levels are up from last year however boat anglers are reminded to watch for rocks and reefs.

Detour: Was still producing Atlantic, chinook, lake trout and steelhead around the green can. Hot colors were orange, red, blue, green or combinations of silver.

Drummond Island: The walleye bite is still good in Scott Bay for those trolling planer boards or long-lining with crank baits early or late.

Cedarville and Hessel: Has good pike action when still-fishing with chubs in Hessel Bay, Musky Bay, Middle Entrance, and the north shore of Government Bay or when casting in the Moscoe Channel. Perch ranging 7 to 10 inches were caught in Cedarville Bay. Bass anglers are targeting shallow waters.

Lake Erie: Walleye are moving to deeper water near the Michigan/Ohio border. Fish have been caught from Stony Point to just south of the Fermi Power Plant in 27 feet and straight out from Brest Bay and Bolles Harbor or in 17 feet near the Banana Dike. West Sister Island in Ohio waters is producing a lot of walleye. Try bottom bouncing pink or purple crawler harnesses or trolling spoons on jet divers. Perch numbers are increasing in Brest Bay and along Stony Point for those jigging minnows in 24 feet.

Huron River: Has been good for smallmouth bass and catfish.

Detroit River: The white bass are slowing down which means walleye fishing has improved. The better fishing has been south of Grosse Ile and down near the mouth for those trolling crawler harnesses or jigging with crawlers.

Portage Chain-of-Lakes: Fishing remains good. Bluegills are being caught along the sand bars and drop offs. Those targeting bass and pike are fishing the weedy flats and river mouths using crank baits and soft plastics. Those looking for walleye should target waters 15 to 30 feet deep.

Lexington: Is producing trout and salmon in waters up to 150 feet deep. Pier anglers are getting a few walleye at night when casting crank baits or floating big minnows under a bobber.

Port Sanilac: Those trolling have caught chinook, steelhead, lake trout and pink salmon about 80 to 120 feet down in waters up to 150 feet deep. The pink salmon are running small with most fish averaging ½ pound. A few trout and salmon were still being caught by pier anglers fishing outside the wall. Walleye were caught at night on crank baits or big minnows under a bobber.

Grindstone City: A few walleye are starting to show up here and off Lighthouse Park.

Saginaw Bay: Has had excellent walleye fishing at a variety of locations including 22 feet off Pinconning, 20 feet off Linwood with purple spoons, 20 feet northwest of the Dumping Grounds, off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River, the Callahan Reef and in the Slot between Quanicassee and Bay Port. Some are starting to cross the Bar from Sebewaing and fish deeper water near the shipping channel. Most people are using crawler harnesses with purple, orange, pink or fire-tiger blades. Some were also doing well with spoons or crank baits. The good news, everyone was getting some fish.

Saginaw River: Some walleye were still being caught in the lower river when trolling crank baits.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Salmon fishing slowed over the last week but a few were still caught in 80 to 100 feet. Perch fishing was also slow with a few caught in 50 feet. Pier anglers are taking lots of freshwater drum but steelhead fishing was slow.

South Haven: Salmon fishing was inconsistent. Those fishing in 100 feet with spoons did catch a few. Perch and pier fishing were slow.

Gull Lake: Is producing bass. Try 10 to 15 feet along the rocks or weed beds and drop-offs in the bays.

Grand Haven: Salmon have been caught in 180 to 220 feet when using 75 to 300 feet of copper and 3 to 10 colors of lead. Try mini or regular spoons in orange, UV patterns of orange, blue and yellow. Some were using a spin/fly combo. Pier fishing was slow for trout and salmon but lots of freshwater drum have been caught. Anglers are getting alewife for bait. No perch were caught.

Grand River in Grand Rapids: With the warmer water, anglers are picking up a few summer steelhead up near the 6th Street Dam. They are drifting crawlers and spawn bags or casting spinners. Pike, walleye, smallmouth bass and a good number of catfish have also been caught.

Grand River at Lansing: Is producing a fair to good number of channel cats. Anglers are using minnows, small bluegills, crawlers and leeches. Those fishing are also catching a fair to good number of smallmouth bass and some large rock bass.

Muskegon: The better salmon fishing was north of the port in 100 feet. No perch.

Whitehall: Fishing was spotty but the boats that managed to find salmon came back with coolers full of chinook salmon. Try 50 feet down in 90 to 115 feet across from Duck Lake.

Panfishing on Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell has been fun. While it last, this is the time of year when fishing and catching come together. Anglers can be selective and cull the size and numbers of fish needed for a meal. Expect mixed catches of gills, sunfish, crappie and perch. The potential for catching limits is there.
No expensive equipment is necessary and it’s a great time to take kids fishing. On both lakes there’s too many areas to recommend. General starting points on Lake Cadillac are the high school shoreline on the North East side for gills, crappie and bass. Try the deeper East side for crappie, especially around the slab piles.

The Cove Areas on the West side are the best places to start on Lake Mitchell. Weed beds with drop offs nearby are perfect for panfish, bass and pike looking for their dinner.

There’s been several changes in the Pilgrim Village 2014 Free Summer Fishing Contest. It’s so easy and No Fee.Entry.
See attached rules. The standings may change daily, but as of 6/15/2014:

Fish caught by Coach’s Charter’s looking for smallmouth on East Grand Traverse Bay and all he could catch in the shallows was lakers and whitefish

Happy Father’s Day and the fishing has been great on most lakes.

Houghton Lake has slowed down as the fly hatch is at full bloom and the fish are full of fish flies or just feeding on top of the water.

Lake Margrethe has been great this week for walleye and gills with leeches being the best bait.

Skegemog has been great for smallmouth this week, fishing is still great below the Sanford Dam with crappie, white bass, pike, walleye and muskie

Fishing has been great on most lakes with gills on the beds and as we head further into summer, catch rates are finally improving. Anglers are doing well on the inland lakes for bluegill, crappie, bass, walleye, pike and some perch. The Great Lakes are producing trout and salmon.

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Harbor Springs: Smallmouth bass anglers were focusing their efforts near the permanent structures east of Wequetonsing (the pier at Roaring Brook) and the north shore of Petoskey State Park. Many fish were still on the beds. Anglers saw large schools of fish in shallow waters near Harbor Point which could be cisco.

Petoskey: Surface water temperatures were between 37 and 49 degrees in Little Traverse Bay. Those heading out did catch lake trout in 40 to 50 feet with rigs using peanuts and winged glow bobbers. A midge hatch made fishing off the breakwall a challenge but those near the mouth of the Bear River caught smallmouth bass, rock bass, carp and freshwater drum. Try crawlers, soft plastics and spinners.

Charlevoix: Surface temperatures were 48 degrees. No sign of salmon yet but good numbers of lake trout were marked in 40 feet near the Can and the Cement Plant. Fishing was good in 40 to 50 feet around North Point. Some fish were suspended and some were on the bottom. A large midge hatch made pier fishing a challenge. A couple smallmouth bass were caught in the channel. Use crawlers and soft plastics during the day and crank baits near sunset. Pier anglers caught lake trout on spoons or crank baits. Catch rates for walleye in the channel improved for those fishing around sunset and into the night from both sides of the pier. Try crank baits and jigs with soft plastics on the bottom.

Lake Charlevoix: Anglers have done well for smallmouth bass in 12 to 14 feet. The bass are still full of eggs and not on the beds yet.

Bear River: Is still running a bit low. No steelhead were seen above the dam but fish were jumping at the dam. Those using spawn are still picking up a few.

Traverse City: Those fishing in the East Bay caught a fair number of smallmouth bass on tube baits in 5 to 15 feet of water. Catch rates will improve as water temperatures rise. Some caught cisco but the lake trout seem to be scattered in waters 20 to 90 feet deep. Those trolling or jigging in the West Bay caught lake trout in 20 to 115 feet. Smallmouth bass could be found in shallow waters.

Elk River: Still has the occasional steelhead being caught however most anglers are now targeting smallmouth bass. Try crawlers, leeches or tube baits.

Boardman River: Is producing smallmouth bass, suckers and carp. Most of the action came on live bait fished near the Union Street Dam.

Platte Bay: Some big lake trout have been caught by those trolling spoons about 2 miles out and northwest of the port. They are using spoons in brown, orange, copper and green with a black ladder back.

Platte River: Fishing has slowed with the exodus of the steelhead and brown trout. A few smaller fish were caught up near the hatchery and down near Honor off South Street. A couple smallmouth bass were caught near the mouth and up at Loon Lake.

Frankfort: Had great fishing for chinook salmon in front of the piers and from the Herring Hole. There are plenty of alewife in the area and the salmon are taking advantage it. The early morning bite was the best when trolling 50 to 80 feet down in 120 to 180 feet with mini or slim spoons and meat rigs. Green and mixed fruit were the hot colors.

Onekama: Those heading straight out and trolling 40 to 70 feet down in 120 to 170 feet have caught chinook and steelhead on orange and green mini or slim spoons.

Portage Lake: Is producing nice catches of bluegill and bass. Bluegills are hitting on worms in 6 to 12 feet. Bass were caught along the drop-offs in 13 to 18 feet. Walleye anglers are picking up a few at night but the season is off to a slow start.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Had some bluegills on the beds. Anglers are catching a good number of bass. Those trolling crawler harnesses in deeper water have found a few walleye.

Manistee: Salmon are being caught 20 to 70 feet down in 60 to 160 feet of water. Orange and yellow spoons worked well. Purple and Green meat rigs have done better deeper in the water column. Pier anglers are catching a few brown trout on live bait or spoons.

Ludington: Trout and salmon are being caught in waters 50 to 150 feet deep. Most of the fish are coming in the top 60 feet and hitting on bright colored spoons. A few were also taken on purple or red meat rigs.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Lake trout are starting to show up in decent numbers up near Forty Mile Point and the State Park or south between Calcite and the Dyno Shack. Try the bottom 10 feet in waters 45 to 60 feet with cowbells or dodgers with spin glows. Some caught the occasional Atlantic, chinook or steelhead in the top 45 feet of waters 60 to 90 feet deep with lead core, copper and downriggers. Hot colors were green glow, orange and green, orange and silver, blue or anything that glows early and late. The salmon are still scattered. Minnows around the breakwall should attract Atlantic salmon, lake trout or a possible walleye. Try casting bright colored spoons or body baits in orange or chartreuse with silver.

Alpena: Is starting to produce some walleye in the bay but those trolling along the shoreline caught the most fish on crawler harnesses and body baits. Hot colors were chartreuse, purple and perch. Those heading out to the Nine Mile Can and Thunder Bay Island caught lake trout and the occasional chinook, pink or Atlantic salmon. Lake trout are just off the bottom and hitting on cowbells or dodgers with spin glows. A few were caught on spoons near the bottom. The salmon are higher in the top 50 feet. Hot colors were green, yellow, orange and blue.

Thunder Bay River: Walleyes are once again showing up as they move in and out of the river. They are most likely following the food source. Most are casting live bait or body baits from the Ninth Street Bridge. They also caught lots of smallmouth bass. Those trolling caught a mix of walleye, smallmouth bass and pike. The steelhead are pretty much done but a few Atlantic salmon were feeding on steelhead eggs.

Harrisville: Had good lake trout fishing with fish up near 20 pounds harvested. Salmon and steelhead were also caught. Boats were trolling close to shore early and heading out deeper as the day progressed. Fish were taken in waters 20 to 120 feet deep by those using a range of baits from spoons, fly’s, cut bait, squid or spin-glows.

Oscoda: Most anglers are targeting walleye near the mouth and in the river. Pier fishing was good in the early morning and throughout the night. Some are targeting catfish but few were caught. Wait for water temperatures to come up.

Au Sable River: Steelhead are still making their way up into the river. Those fishing the Boy Scout Camp, High Banks and up near the dam had good success.

Higgins Lake: Some perch were caught in 30 to 40 feet near the Main Island and the Sunken Island. Try minnows or wax worms. Rock bass have been caught along the drop-off. Those jigging in 80 to 100 feet caught a good number of lake trout out from the Conference Center and the North State Park. Rainbow trout were caught along the drop-off in 20 to 40 feet.

Houghton Lake: With a fly hatch underway the fish are feeding. Anglers are catching some bluegill, crappie, walleye and bass.

Tawas: Only a few were trolling for walleye as most of the locals were trailering their boats down to Au Gres. A couple fish were caught out past Buoy #2 in 35 feet. Pier anglers caught a mixed bag of smallmouth bass, rock bass, crappie, catfish and carp.

Au Gres: Has had a lot fishing pressure and a lot of walleye caught. With over 150 boats out, more than half of those checked had limit catches. Good fishing in 25 to 35 feet between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres. Some were heading as far south as Pinconning.

Au Gres River: Fishing was slow with only a few channel cats caught.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Boat anglers heading out into Lake Superior still need to use caution because of scattered ice flows and believe it or not, icebergs. With surface water temperatures in the low 40’s, the ice could be there until the end of the month.

Ontonagon: Had fair fishing with a mixed bag of lake trout, brown trout, chinook, coho, walleye and rainbow trout taken by those trolling in 15 to 55 feet. They are using lead core and stick baits. Some also did well when trolling boards with spoons or body baits.

Ontonagon River: Had a few nice catches of walleye ranging 15 to 18 inches. Anglers are trolling body baits.

Keweenaw Bay: Had only a couple pieces of ice in the bay. Those trolling in 30 to 60 feet did manage to catch a few trout and salmon. Splake were caught shallow in 4 to 15 feet with spoons or body baits in a variety of colors. Splake were caught off the rock dock near the L’Anse Marina and at the mouth of Linden Creek. Lake trout were caught by those jigging off the Whirl-I-Gig, Old Mission and off Pequaming. Try 180 to 260 feet of water with a ¾ to 1 ½ ounce jig head and cut baits such as a sucker. In Traverse Bay, anglers are trolling for lake trout in 130 to 180 feet off Big Louie’s and Gay Point or jigging in 20 to 260 feet off Big Louie’s. Try spoons in a variety of colors. The bite from the South Portage Entry has picked up. Lake trout were taken 50 to 100 feet down in 60 to 130 feet when trolling spoons or body baits. Best speed was between 1.5 and 1.8 mph. Those jigging also caught some nice lake trout.

Marquette: Boat anglers heading out 15 to 20 miles or more will need to use caution because of scattered ice flows including some large icebergs still in the area Catch rates were fair to good. Surface water temperatures remain in the low 40’s. Chinook were hitting on spoons in less than 50 feet near the Carp River, Chocolay and Sand River areas. Most are using planer boards and high lines. Lake trout were caught mainly north of the White Rocks to Granite Island and towards Little Presque Isle in 150 to 200 feet or deeper. Try spoons with cut bait in the morning. Catch rates for coho were poor.

Little Bay De Noc: Had fair to good walleye catches from the Whitefish River south to the Center Reef when trolling or drifting crawler harnesses with crawlers in 14 to 24 feet as well as between the Second Reef and the east bank at Gladstone when trolling or jigging crawlers in 18 to 30 feet. Walleye fishing was very good off Breezy Point for those using crawlers with harnesses in 8 to 10 feet. While some big fish have been caught many are now catching younger fish that range 16 to 19 inches. Smallmouth bass anglers report very good fishing throughout the bay especially near the Ford River. Most of the fish caught were males guarding the beds. Try casting, jigging or trolling plastic crank baits or crawlers along the edge and near structure in 3 to 7 feet. Perch fishing was fair along the beach at Gladstone in 11 to 25 feet and near Kipling in 12 to 23 feet. Crawlers or minnows worked best.

Escanaba River: Reported fair walleye catches for those using crank baits or crawlers along the weed beds in 12 to 20 feet. Pier anglers fishing the river reported several catches when still-fishing with crawlers.

Big Bay De Noc: Walleye catches were good between Valentine Creek and Kate’s Bay for those trolling or drifting harnesses with crawlers in 10 to 20 feet. Some did well when jigging along the weeds in shallow water off the northern end of Kate’s Bay. Good to excellent smallmouth action at the head of bay, near Ogontz and the South River area. Anglers are casting, trolling or jigging plastics, crank baits or crawlers in 3 to 8 feet. At Fairport, some of the slips are just being filled as the season is just getting underway. No salmon reports as of yet but the water is cold.

Au Train: Catch rates increased for those targeting trout and salmon. Few coho were taken but small chinook were caught in waters less than 40 feet deep in the mornings. Surface water temperatures were extremely cold at 40 degrees but warmer near the mouth of the Au Train River and the Rock River. Those trolling between the Brownstone Launch and the Au Train River did best. Lake trout have been caught east of Au Train Island, near the shipping channel and the Wood Island Reef in 150 to 200 feet. A number of lake trout were feeding on freshwater shrimp and insects and were seen surface feeding at night and pre-dawn.

St. Mary’s River: Near Sault Ste. Marie, northern pike action was good for those trolling spoons and bucktail spinners in Bay De Wasaui. Catch rates for walleye were excellent on the north end of Munuscong Bay near the mouth of the Munuscong River in 4 to 6 feet. The weeds are not up in most of the bays so this is a good time to catch walleye in shallow water. Raber Bay and Lime Island were slow for walleye and pike. A few walleye were taken near Carlton Creek when trolling crawler harnesses in 4 to 6 feet. The water is still cold in Raber Bay.

Drummond Island: Walleye fishing was still very good in the early morning or late evening in Scott Bay. Anglers are using planer boards and bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses in 4 to 8 feet or long-lining with a tiny split shot ahead of a night crawler.

Cedarville and Hessel: The report is the same as last week. Perch are in the Hessel Marina but many are small. Pike are being caught in Government Bay, Musky Bay, Middle Entrance, and off the pier at Hessel.

Carp River: Anglers are fishing the Carp River Bridge and McDonald Rapids for steelhead and suckers. The water is still fast and muddy, but anglers are harvesting fish on spawn, red or green spinners and orange yarn.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Walleye are still being caught in 18 to 24 feet near the Raisin River Buoys and 14 to 20 feet straight out from the beach at Sterling State Park. Perch and walleye were caught in 25 feet between Brest Bay and Stony Point and in 19 to 21 feet straight out from Bolles Harbor and into Ohio waters, especially around West Sister Island. Anglers are bottom bouncing bright colored crawler harnesses or trolling spoons on jet divers in deeper water. Try trolling hard jerk baits for walleye suspending in shallower waters mid-day.

Detroit River: Walleye fishing is still good, but white bass continue to pester walleye anglers. White bass fishing was excellent and smallmouth fishing was very good.

Portage Chain-of-Lakes: Has good bluegill action for those using crawlers. Beds can be found along most of the sandbars throughout the lakes. The bass are done spawning and hitting on soft plastics, worms and swim baits along the weedy flats. Because of heavy boat traffic on the weekends, fishing is better during the week.

Lake St. Clair: Muskie reports from the opener were mixed but some large fish were caught near Metro Beach and the 400 Club. Smallmouth fishing was good near Selfridge and the Mile Roads. Pike continue to show up in Anchor Bay. Try the shallow weed beds near Fair Haven and the Salt River.

St. Clair River: Had very good walleye fishing at Port Huron, Marine City, and the South Channel at Harsens Island. Bottom bouncing, whipping and jigging were producing good catches of walleye.

Lexington: Those trolling have taken a mix of trout and salmon in 40 to 90 feet. Pier anglers were catching lots of rock bass on worms, small minnows or small hardware.

Port Sanilac: A couple steelhead were taken on large minnows under a bobber. Boat anglers are getting trout and salmon when trolling in waters up to 90 feet deep. Pier anglers are catching some large rock bass.

Harbor Beach: Walleye fishing is slow, but a few were caught by those casting off the wall. Try small spoons or body baits in the early morning or late evening. Some took limit catches of lake trout in 80 to 110 feet of water. Use dodgers or cowbells with spin glows just off the bottom or spoons 40 to 85 feet deep. Salmon and steelhead are in 50 to 120 feet straight out or north of the port. Try spoons off downriggers, 5, 8 and 10 colored lead lines with offshore boards. Anglers can also look for mud lines and fish there. Hot colors were orange and black, purple and gold or bright colors. There is plenty of water at the launch and out the channel.

Grindstone City: Those wading caught smallmouth bass in Eagle Bay and the Grindstone City harbor.

Saginaw Bay: Is producing walleye in a number of places including 21 to 24 feet around the Spark Plug (Buoys 11 & 12), 21 feet near the Dumping Grounds, 8 feet off the Pinconning Bar, 14 feet east of Spoils Island, and 14 to 16 feet in the Slot between Quanicassee and the tip of Sand Point. Most anglers are using crawler harnesses with purple, green or brass blades. Catch rates were good from most access points including Sebewaing and Bay Port. Fishing at Caseville was slow but will pick up as the water gets warmer.

Saginaw River: Anglers trolling the lower river between the mouth and the Coast Guard Station have caught quite a few walleye including some limit catches on silver and blue crank baits.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

St. Joseph: Salmon fishing was fair with fish taken on spoons in 70 feet. Pier anglers caught a few freshwater drum but no steelhead or salmon. Perch fishing was just getting started but was still slow. A few fish were taken in 50 feet.

South Haven: Salmon were caught on spoons in 80 to 90 feet however catch rates were spotty. Pier and perch fishing remain slow.

Grand Haven: Water temperatures have cooled once again. Salmon are now around the piers and have been caught between the surface and 40 feet down. Try small spoons or spinnie/fly combos. Orange has been the hot color. Pier anglers caught alewife but the salmon were just outside their reach.

Grand River in Grand Rapids: Is producing channel catfish for those using cut baits, crawlers or leeches. Flatheads are also being caught on fresh cut bait, live suckers, crawlers or leeches. Some are getting walleye when drifting or vertical jigging. Check out the backwaters for bluegill and crappie.

Grand River at Lansing: Is producing a good number of smallmouth bass for those using minnows, crawlers or leeches. Catfish have been caught below the dams.

Lake Lansing: Is producing panfish.

Ingham County: Anglers are out fishing and several have taken limit catches of panfish.

Calhoun County: Boat anglers are on the water. Bluegill and bass are being caught in good numbers with some approaching limit catches.

Muskegon: Water temperatures were in the mid to low 40’s. Look for salmon closer to shore. Pier anglers may also find fish in the early morning. The fish cleaning station at the Snug Harbor Launch is now open.

Whitehall: Anglers were catching trout and salmon in 120 to 150 feet however cold water has moved in and those fishing deep were no longer marking fish. Try 60 to 80 feet with spoons. Orange and blue were good colors.

FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014

The 2014 Spring Free Fishing Weekend is history. Many new anglers were introduced to fishing and are learning why we are addicted to the sport. The fish have been eager to cooperate. Fishing from shore is often as effective as it is in boats. Most species can be caught in the shallows. Polarized glasses make sight fishing easy.

Panfishing has been good. The gills and sunfish are spawning and will be for some time. On calm days they can be seen on their beds. Although it is late, many crappie still have eggs. They can also be found in schools. Catch one and there will be more.

Bass and pike fishing has also been strong. They’re looking for a meal. Accomodate them with a spinner bait or top water lure. Live bait anglers do well with crawlers and leeches.

The walleye have moved to deeper water. The canal area has slowed. Slow trolling crawler harnesses or slip bobber fishing leeches has been effective in the 10′ plus depths. Weeds have not been a problem. Expect catches of bass, pike, and walleyes using these methods.

The Pilgrim Village 2014 Free Summer Fishing Contest is off to a good start. It runs through September 8, 2014. Expect entry changes, often daily. NO ENTRY FEE. See attached rules. The standings as of today are:

Sanford’s Chris Bacon has caught a lot of fish in his young life, but it took a phone call to find a scale big enough to weigh his latest conquest.

It’s a fish that he’ll probably never forget.

Early in the evening on Thursday, May 22, Bacon, 17, landed a 54-inch, 35-pound northern muskellunge in the Tittabawassee River while fishing from the shore just below the Sanford Dam.

“I knew it was something big (when I hooked it). My heart started pounding,” said Bacon, who’s been fishing since he was just a few years old. He plans to have the muskie — the first one he’s ever caught — mounted and put on the wall in his bedroom.

Bacon and his mother, Rhonda Bacon, who was with him when he caught the muskie, went to the Sanford IGA to try to weigh it, but the scale was not big enough. Another shopper, though, offered to call Department of Natural Resources fisheries technician Don Barnard.

Barnard brought a scale and met the Bacons at the Clark gas station on M-30 and officially weighed the female muskie to certify that it was eligible for a DNR Master Angler award.

Barnard said it was the longest muskie he’s ever seen in his 27 years with the DNR.

“I’ve seen heavier fish,” Barnard noted. “But this fish was spawned out (had deposited her eggs). If he had caught it pre-spawn, I can only guess at its weight. … I’ve weighed fish pre-spawn that were four inches shorter (than this one) and weighed five pounds more.”

Barnard was impressed with Bacon.

“He kept his cool. He got the biggest fish of his life,” Barnard said.

The muskie well exceeded the minimum standard of 20 pounds for a muskie required for the angler to be eligible for a DNR Master Angler award in the catch-and-keep category.

The Michigan record for a northern muskellunge is 49 pounds, 12 ounces in 2000 in Thornapple Lake, between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

Bacon, using a medium heavy Abu Garcia rod, a Rat-L-Trap lure, and 17-pound line, had been fishing for about six hours when he hooked the muskie.

That was just the beginning of a 15-minute battle between fish and man. Bacon said he gave the line a lot of slack and the muskie swam out to the middle of the river, then he reeled it back in — and the process repeated itself until the fish gradually began to tire.

“The fish is so powerful. It’s like having a bowling ball on your line,” Bacon said.

After about 11 minutes, Bacon managed to bring the muskie near the shore. But his net wasn’t big enough for the fish. So he had to corral it with his own hands.

It has been a week of everybody reporting back that the fishing has been great everywhere. Non residents please come on up this weekend and fish as you will save money and catch fish.

Houghton Lake has had a great walleye bite the last two weeks but the flies are ready to hatch and that will slow the bite.

It’s here! Michigan’s annual “Summer Free Fishing Weekend” will be observed this Saturday, June 7th and Sunday, June 8th. Both residents and non-residents can fish without a license however all regulations still apply. This is a great opportunity to introduce someone new to the sport of fishing so don’t miss out, call a family member, friend or neighbor and take them fishing!

Northwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Bluegills are starting to show up and make beds in the shallows. It should be good fishing going into this weekend.

Harbor Springs: Lake trout were caught in 80 to 120 feet off the point. Smallmouth bass are moving into the shallows near the State Park.

Petoskey: A couple boats were lake trout fishing near Bay Harbor. Pier anglers on the D Pier caught smallmouth bass and carp. Bass are hitting on crank baits. Those fishing off the beach near the breakwall caught smallmouth bass in the morning.

Charlevoix: For lake trout, try 40 to 50 feet around North Point. A couple boats were trolling for walleye at night in the channel, Round Lake and into Lake Michigan. Try crank baits on the bottom. Smallmouth bass are starting to show up in the channel and a few were caught on soft scented rubber baits.

Lake Charlevoix: Was producing walleye in the Narrows near Ironton and pike near the point in Loeb Bay.

Bear River: Was a bit low with the lack of rain. Anglers are still picking up the occasional steelhead near the dam however most of the fish are now upstream and spawning or have gone back out to Lake Michigan. Suckers are in the river and have been caught up near the dam.

Traverse City: The East Bay is producing lake trout for those jigging in 90 feet. Cisco were caught by those jigging in 60 to 70 feet and smallmouth bass were taken in 5 to 30 feet. In the West Bay, anglers caught lake trout in 90 feet. Smallmouth bass fishing should be good in the shallows or along the drop-offs.

Boardman River: Continues to produce a couple steelhead even though the spring run is just about done. Smallmouth bass are hitting on live or artificial baits near the Union Street Dam and the mouth.

Platte Bay: Is producing some brown trout off the mouth of the river. Black and chrome rapalas were the ticket. A few walleye were also caught. Lake trout are still out a mile to the west or the north and hitting on brown or copper spoons.

Platte River: Fishing has slowed however trout were caught between the hatchery and Goose Road Campground by those using Blue wing Olives and Hendrickson’s. Carp and suckers are in the river between the hatchery and the big lake. Smallmouth bass can be found between the M-22 Bridge and Loon Lake.

Frankfort: Chinook salmon have arrived. Those trolling the Herring Hole caught fish 70 to 90 feet down in 160 to 200 feet of water. Most are using smaller copper colored spoons or meat rigs. Brown trout are still hitting between the piers. Try black and silver or black and gold body baits.

Onekama: Had no activity as anglers were heading to Manistee or Ludington.

Portage Lake: Bluegill and largemouth bass are on the beds in the shallows. Perch are hitting on wigglers near the mouth of the channel in the morning but anglers will have to sort through the small ones.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: The bluegills and bass were finally on the beds. Anglers have done well when floating live bait or casting lures.

Manistee: Boats have been catching salmon and trout in 60 to 160 feet. Most are using orange, green or yellow spoons in the top 70 feet. Pier anglers are catching a few brown trout on spoons and live bait.

Ludington: Chinook salmon and steelhead have been caught in the top 60 feet of waters 80 to 180 feet deep. Orange and green spoons work best.

Pentwater: Had few anglers but those able to get out should find some trout and salmon in 40 to 60 feet. Fishing across from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes is usually a safe bet. Target the top portion of the water column or about 30 to 50 feet down with bright colored lures.

Northeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Rogers City: Lake trout are everywhere. Fish have been caught on dodgers or cowbells with spin glows in the bottom 10 feet of waters 35 to 60 feet deep. Those fishing higher in the water column caught the occasional Atlantic, chinook or pink salmon and steelhead. Spoons also caught fish. Good colors were green, blue and orange with silver on them. Use glow spoons early or late and dark colors on cloudy days. Those trolling body baits in the shallows had limited success. Look for Atlantic salmon off the marinas and breakwalls.

Alpena: Is producing a good number of lake trout and a few salmon around Thunder Bay Island and the Nine Mile Can. Try the top half of waters 40 to 90 feet deep with the same lures and colors they are using at Rogers City. Walleye fishing was slow but should pick up soon. Try early morning or late evening with crawler harnesses or body baits.

Thunder Bay River: The steelhead action continues to slow as warm weather will push them back out into Lake Huron. Anglers may find a few Atlantic salmon feeding on steelhead eggs. Try drifting or floating artificial beads and flies on the bottom. Anglers are catching plenty of smallmouth bass and panfish. Once the minnows move back into the river the walleye should follow.

Harrisville: Had good fishing. Lake trout were 80 to 100 feet but steelhead and salmon were 50 to 70 feet. Spoons, body baits, fly’s and cut bait all caught fish. Downriggers, dipseys, lead core, copper line and planer boards were all producing. Walleye were caught around the harbor walls and north towards Sturgeon Point. Try crawler harnesses or body baits.

Oscoda: Boats that have made it out on the big lake had good success for lake trout steelhead and the occasional salmon. Lake trout are in 100 feet but steelhead are closer to 60 and 80 feet. Spoons and body baits off down riggers, lead core, copper line and planer boards are all working well.

Au Sable River: Steelhead continue to run up the river and can be found on the beds. The Boy Scout Camp and High Banks had the most activity. Spawn, fly’s and small spinners are producing the most fish. Pier anglers caught a mix of steelhead, Atlantic and walleye throughout the day and evening.

Houghton Lake: Is producing walleye and crappie for those using minnows or leeches. Not much on bluegill yet but anglers are catching some bass.

Lake St. Helen: Bluegill are finally starting to show signs up spawning. Crappie are out of the canals and are being caught in the lakes. A few walleye were caught. A good number of pike were caught on spinners and spoons.

Tawas: Pier fishing has slowed as we move into summer. Not much is happening on the inside but walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish have been caught at night on the outside of the wall. Those trolling from the tip of Tawas Point and Buoy #2 caught a few walleye in 15 to 30 feet.

Au Gres: Had most of the walleye action with a lot of boats fishing between Point Lookout and Pointe Au Gres but some were running 8 to 10 miles south of Pointe Au Gres and fishing in 10 to 25 feet off the mouth of the Pine River.

Au Gres River: Catfish anglers are doing well in the lower river.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Ontonagon: The ice is just about gone. With all the rain, anglers will need to use caution in the river and watch for debris coming down. Fishing has been good. Anglers have taken a mix of lake trout, brown trout, chinook, coho and steelhead when trolling in waters between 6 and 35 feet deep. Many are using lead core and stick baits but fish were also on planer boards with spoons or body baits.

Keweenaw Bay: Still had ice but it is thinning out. Boat anglers were able to launch at the L’Anse Marina and start trolling however watch the north wind which could blow ice back into the bay. Those trolling in 30 to 60 feet caught chinook, coho, steelhead, brown trout and splake on spoons and body baits in a variety of colors. Most of the splake were caught in shallow water 4 to 15 feet off the rock dock near the L’Anse Marina and off the mouth of Linden Creek. Try spinners, cleo’s or crawlers. Lake trout action was a little better off Big Louie’s Point and Gay Point. Spoons worked best in 130 to 180 feet.

Lake Antoine: Boat anglers are getting some bigger crappie, bluegill and perch when drifting or still-fishing crawlers and wax worms. They also caught a good number of smallmouth bass and pike when casting or trolling crank baits. Lake Antoine Road is still under construction with only one lane open.

Marquette: Most of the ice has blown out of bay leaving a few lingering ice masses. Boat anglers should be able to troll some areas from the harbor to the Carp River and the Chocolay River with little trouble. Some caught steelhead with a mix of coho and chinook. Water temperatures are still extremely cold at 40 degrees. Shore anglers at the mouth of the Carp River did catch small splake, a few coho and steelhead on spawn or small spoons.

Little Bay De Noc: Walleye anglers reported catches throughout the bay with the Ford River area being best for those trolling or drifting crawlers in 8 to 16 feet from Breezy Point south to Round Island. Catch rates were fair from the First and Third Reefs in 10 to 20 feet. Walleye are leaving the Whitefish River. There are good numbers of smaller fish. Good bass fishing near the Ford River. Shore and boat anglers are using plastics, spinners, crank baits and crawlers along the shoreline and around the mouth in 4 to 8 feet. Perch anglers reported several good catches when using crawlers in 8 to 14 feet in the Escanaba Yacht Harbor.

Big Bay De Noc: The walleye action near Ogontz has slowed but a few fish were still caught on crawler harnesses in 10 to 14 feet. The head of the bay up by Valentine Creek was best in 8 to 10 feet. Smallmouth bass are still very active and nesting. Good catches reported throughout the bay with Ogontz and the Fish Dam Rivers area being fished the most. Anglers are casting or trolling crank baits, plastics or crawlers in 4 to 8 feet. Those bow fishing are targeting carp near Ogontz. Higher water levels have made it a bit more difficult but several fish were still taken. Fairport had no salmon reports as water temperatures are too cold.

Au Train: Had light fishing activity in the bay and only a few shore anglers at the Rock River and the Au Train River. Most of the ice has left but there are still a few lingering ice flows. A few coho were seen near shore during a fly hatch. Boat anglers had poor results for chinook and coho.

Munising: Still had some ice flows hanging around but inside the bay was open. Boat anglers have done well taking a mix of chinook, coho, splake and steelhead. Pier anglers had fair results for splake, menominee and steelhead when casting or when using spawn and worms. Those able to hook splake reported 15 to 18 inch fish. Shore anglers had poor results.

Grand Marais: The ice has diminished quite a bit but still caused a few issues on certain days. Boat anglers caught mainly coho along with the occasional chinook or steelhead. Most of the steelhead head caught are spawned out and turning dark. Pier anglers reported fair to very good catches of whitefish, coho, and menominee. Fish in the 2 and 3 pound range were caught. Very few steelhead were taken. No report from shore anglers as activity at the mouth of the Sucker River has quit.

St. Mary’s River: Is producing some yellow perch ranging 8 to 11 inches. Anglers are launching out of Sherman Park and perch fishing in 25 to 30 feet of water along the shipping channel near the first red buoy. Most are using shiners. Good walleye fishing at the mouth of the Gogomain River. Crawler harnesses, and rubber tail body baits are working good. Again there were no weeds in any of the bays so this is a good time to fish. Walleye were slow in and around Lime Island and Raber Bay.

Detour: Anglers continue to catch trout and salmon around the lighthouse.

Drummond Island: Had excellent walleye fishing in Scott Bay. Anglers are trolling blue and chrome crank baits or crawler harnesses in 4 to 8 feet. Planer boards seem to work best however bottom bouncers used with crawler harnesses are also working well. There are no weeds to fish around at this time so anglers are enjoying their time on the water. Smallmouth were caught in Maxton Bay.

Cedarville and Hessel: Perch are in the Hessel Marina. Some perch were up near 11 inches however there is still a lot of undersized fish to keep it fun. Pike fishing has picked up in Government Bay, Musky Bay, Middle Entrance, and off the pier at Hessel. Bass are around, but you will have to work to find them.

Carp River: Anglers are still trying for steelhead and suckers at the Carp River Bridge and McDonald Rapids.

Southeast Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Lake Erie: Walleye were caught southwest of Stony Point in 18 to 24 feet and near the River Raisin buoys in 16 to 22 feet. Fish were also caught in 18 to 22 feet out near the C-Buoy and the stacks as well as straight out from the campground at Sterling State Park. Anglers are trolling spoons or purple and pink crawler harnesses early or hard jerk baits mid-day. Fewer bass were caught at Bolles Harbor however anglers did catch some big largemouth.

Detroit River: The white bass run is on and fishing has been very good along the entire river. Walleye are still in the river and some anglers are having decent luck pulling wire after dark. Muskie season opens on Saturday.

Portage Chain-of-Lakes: Anglers are doing well catching bluegill and bass. The bluegills are on their beds in the shallow sandy shorelines and sunken islands throughout the lake system. Bass are being caught in the weedy flats and along the drop-offs. Carp are starting to show up in good numbers in the shallows and along the rivers so this is a great time for bow fishing.

Lake St. Clair: Has good walleye fishing near Metro Beach. White bass fishing has been very good near Huron Point and at the mouth of the Clinton River. Good smallmouth action in Anchor Bay and off the Mile Roads. Muskie season opens on Saturday.

St. Clair River: Continues to have very good walleye fishing. Anglers are bottom bouncing, jigging and whipping.

Lexington: Is producing lake trout and steelhead in waters up to 80 feet deep. Boats are targeting 40 feet in the early morning and moving deeper as the sun comes up. Pier anglers are catching rock bass and the occasional pike.

Port Sanilac: Is also producing some large lake trout and steelhead. Most are fishing within 40 to 80 feet. Lake trout are just off the bottom but steelhead are higher in the water column as they are surface feeding for insects. Pier anglers caught rock bass and pike.

Harbor Beach: Boats trolling in 40 to 80 feet are getting large lake trout near the bottom and steelhead off high lines. The steelhead are eating June bugs and other insects off the surface. Start in 40 feet early in the morning and move deeper as the sun comes up. Those fishing off the breakwall at night caught walleye.

Port Austin: Walleye have been caught off the breakwall at night.

Saginaw Bay: Had excellent walleye fishing and limit catches were the rule. Anglers did very well off Pinconning, Linwood, the Bay City State Park, off the mouth of the Kawkawlin River, north and east of Spoils Island, the Callahan Reef off Finn Road, around both Spark Plugs and in the Slot between Quanicassee and North Island. Depths range from 5 to 30 feet deep. As a rule of thumb, the shallows are best in the early morning and deeper water later in the day. Crawler harnesses were the go-to bait, with spinner colors of purple, white, gold, silver, or chartreuse. Those trolling deeper caught walleye on spoons or crank baits. Hot colors for crank baits were yellow perch and a goby pattern.

Tittabawassee River: Is still producing decent catches of walleye near Mapleton. A few bass and pike were also caught.

Southwest Lower Peninsula Fishing Report

Bluegills were on the beds. Male bass are still guarding the beds because females are vacating the shallow waters.

St. Joseph: Salmon are being caught on spoons in 80 to 100 feet however fishing was still spotty. Pier fishing was slow except for a couple freshwater drum taken on spoons. Perch fishing is slow with only a few fish taken in waters 50 feet or deeper.

South Haven: Salmon fishing is slow with only a couple chinook or lake trout taken in 60 feet. Pier and perch fishing remain slow.

Grand Haven: Has good salmon fishing. Chinook were caught in 80 to 140 feet and steelhead out deeper. Anglers are running spoons, spin/fly combos and meat rigs 20 to 80 feet down. Hot colors were orange, blue, green or mixed veggie. Pier anglers can catch plenty of alewife for bait but the only fish biting were freshwater drum.

Grand River in Grand Rapids: Has been good for both channel and flathead catfish. Try cut bait, live sucker minnows, crawlers or leeches on the bottom. Bluegills have been caught on leaf worms and wax worms. Smallmouth bass are hitting on tube baits, crank baits and live bait. A few walleye were taken on crank baits, crawlers and leeches. Millennium Park was good for panfish and bass.

Grand River at Lansing: Has good smallmouth action. Try tube baits, leeches, crawlers or minnows. Anglers are catching lots of rock bass on crawlers, red worms or beetle spinners.

Muskegon: Has good fishing especially north of the port in 130 to 150 feet. Steelhead and smaller chinook were in the top 40 feet while the bigger salmon were between 80 feet and the bottom. Use spoons up high and paddles or meat rigs down low. Try orange, U.V and mix veggie for spoons, white paddles with green flies or purple meat rigs.

Muskegon River: Water levels are good and water temperatures are warming. Fly hatches are underway so those fly fishing are doing well.

Bay County
Event Name: Free Fishing Festival
Location: Bay City Recreation Area, 3582 State Park Drive, Bay City
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: The day’s activities include a youth fishing derby, youth casting tournament, a fishing tips and tricks workshop, fly fishing demonstration, several how-to workshops, and an outdoor “Fish Fair” featuring a wide array of games, crafts and activity booths focusing on fish and fishing skills. Meet at the fishing pier in the Day Use side of the park near the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. Trophies and prizes will be presented to youth at a special awards ceremony in the afternoon. Children will be able to earn a special Fishing for Fun t-shirt by participating in five activities and all youth will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win one of 100 fishing poles donated by area sponsors. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: blaschkav@michigan.gov, 989-667-0717

Branch County
Event Name: Take-A-Kid Fishing
Location: W. Chicago Street, Coldwater (Rotary Park)
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: This free event hosted by Bass Unlimited of Branch County is open to the public and allows children ages two to 17 to fish. All participating children must be accompanied by an adult. Lunch will be provided.
Contact: 517-617-6738

Calhoun County
Event Name: Learn to Fly Fish
Location: Kalamazoo River, access site located at Jackson Street (east of M-37)
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Details: Smitty’s Sport Shop of Battle Creek will host a free fly casting clinic, participants will cast on the grass. An in-class opportunity is also available, contact 269-719-6731 or 269-830-7091 for more information.
Contact: 269-719-6731 or 269-830-7091

Cheboygan County
Event Name: 10th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament
Location: Cheboygan Field Office, 120 A Street, Cheboygan
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Details: Come celebrate Free Fishing Weekend with the Cheboygan Field Office staff as they host their 10th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament on June 7th! Kids ages 16 and under (accompanied by an adult) are welcome to participate. Participants are advised to bring their own pole and life jackets. Bait is provided and no fishing license is required. With a full schedule of activities, this is a fun family event that you won’t want to miss! Word from the woods is that Smokey the Bear will be making an appearance!
Contact: 231-627-9011

Charlevoix County
Event Name: Annual Kids Fishing Tournament
Location: Young State Park, 02280 Boyne City Road, Boyne City
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Details: Looking for a fun way to kick off the summer? Join Young State Park’s crew for Free Fishing Weekend, June 7. The park will be hosting a kids fishing tournament on Mirror Pond. Fishing poles and bait will be provided for those who don’t have any. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment and prizes will be awarded in age categories. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 231-582-7523

Chippewa County
Event Name: 6th Annual Children’s Fishing Event
Location: Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery, 21990 W. Trout Lane, Brimley
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: Children 15 years and under are invited to fish on Pendills Creek. Use your own fishing equipment or equipment will be provided. Bait and a free hot dog lunch will also be provided. Some lucky anglers will be awarded prizes! Prize drawings will be held towards the end of the event. No registration required.
Contact: Julie_Timmer@fws.gov, 906-437-5231

Clinton County
Event Name: Free Fishing Weekend Fish-a-Thon
Location: Sleepy Hollow State Park, 7835 E. Price Road, Laingsburg
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: Come to Sleepy Hollow’s Campground Fishing Pier for a Fish-a-Thon, where you can fish for hours! Limited pole availability, so bringing your own is encouraged. Bait will be provided. Parking next to playground by turning right at the Campground Office. All fish are catch-and-release. Prizes for children! Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 517-651-6217

Crawford County
Event Name: Family Fun Day
Location: 3612 State Park Drive, Grayling (Hartwick Pines State Park)
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: This event will feature a kids fishing contest on a stocked pond! A canoe and kayak demonstration will also be provided, as well as fly tying and casting demonstrations, and other kids’ activities. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: weaverj7@michigan.gov, 989-348-7068

Grand Traverse County
Event Name: West Bay Beach Trout Derby
Location: West Bay Beach Resort, 615 E. Front Street, Traverse City
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Details: One day trout tournament on East & West Grand Traverse Bays. Open to any and all skill level of anglers. More info at www.Fish-TC.com.
Contact: SteveoJoslin@gmail.com, 231-342-8442

Event Name: Free Fishing Fun
Location: Interlochen State Park, 4167 M-137, Interlochen
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: All day (starting at 8 a.m.)
Details: Bring the family for a day full of fishing fun! The event will begin at 8 a.m. and end as the sun sets. Bait can be purchased at the camp store or participants can bring their own. A limited number of fishing rods are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 231-276-9511

Hillsdale County
Event Name: Hillsdale County Conservation Club Kids’ Fishing Derby
Location: Lewis Emery Park, State Road, Hillsdale
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: All day
Details: Participate in this derby by bringing a canned good to be donated to the local food pantry. Bait will be provided but participants should bring their own fishing rod. Lunch will be served and prizes will be awarded per age group.
Contact: 517-523-3990

Huron County
Event Name: Hook, Line & Sinker
Location: Port Crescent State Park, 1775 Port Austin Road, Port Austin
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Details: A fishing program will be conducted to teach children and their families about fishing, and give them an opportunity to fish. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 989-738-8663

Houghton County
Event Name: Rice Lake Fishing Derby
Location: 51610 Rice Lake Road, Lake Linden
Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Join the Lake Linden-Hubbell Sportsmen’s Association as they host a family fishing day. Prizes will be awarded for walleye and northern pike caught during the derby. Raffles and refreshments will also be provided. Please note, there is a cost to participate; $5 for adults, $3 for juniors, and $1 for children.
Contact: kamachie@mtu.edu, 906-296-0365

Iosco County
Event Name: Fishing Derby
Location: Tawas Point State Park, 686 Tawas Beach Road, East Tawas
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Details: Come to the pond to the left of the pavilion at Tawas State Park to try to get the biggest catch of the day! Certificates will be awarded, and everyone gets prizes!! Fishing rods and bait will be provided. Children under 10 need a parent present. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 989-362-5041

Iron County
Event Name: Youth Fishing Derby
Location: Bewabic State Park, 720 Idlewild Road, Crystal Falls
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: Bewabic State Park is hosting a youth Fishing Derby. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish and as part of the casting competition. Meet at the park pavillion. Ages 15 and under may participate in the derby. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 906-875-3324

Jackson County
Event Name: Kayak Fishing
Location: Quiet World Sports LLC, 551 Avenue A, Jackson (Vandercook Lake)
Date: Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8
Time: 10 a.m. to dusk, each day
Details: Bring your fishing gear and come on out to Quiet World Sports LLC! Rent a kayak or launch your own and enjoy some of the best fishing around on our five lakes and the Grand River! Kids will receive a certificate of participation! Please note, there is a cost to participate; $15 per kayak rental. No charge if you bring your own equipment.
Contact: kayak@quietworldsports.com, 517-879-8981

Lapeer County
Event Name: Metamora-Hadley Family Fishing Derby
Location: 3871 Herd Road, Metamora (Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area)
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Details: This free fishing derby is fun for the whole family! “Go Get Outdoors” and come earn a small prize for catching the largest fish. Check-in for this event will be at the Red Activity Barn. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: farrellt@michigan.gov, 810-797-4439

Livingston County
Event Name: Hook, Line & Sinker
Location: Island Lake Recreation Area, 12950 E. Grand River Avenue, Brighton
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Details: Are you interested in some fishing fun, but don’t have the gear or extra funds to try it? Island Lake Recreation is hosting a Hook, Line & Sinker program for all friends and family to enjoy. This event is free of charge, for all ages, equipment provided, catch-and-release only, no pre-registration or fishing license required. Fishing will take place on the fishing pier at the Lower Dodge Unit which is located at the back of the park passed the Spring Mill Pond beach. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 810-229-7067

Event Name: Hook, Line & Sinker
Location: Brighton Recreation Area, 6360 Chilson Road, Howell
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: Participants can bring their own fishing rods and bait, but a limited number of rods and bait is available at no charge, you just need to show up. This event is a great experience for the kids. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 810-229-6566

Marquette County
Event Name: Richmond Township Community Club Kids’ Fishing Derby
Location: Richmond Township Community Club (south of Palmer)
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: This annual event has been held for 26 years. Each kid that participates is guaranteed a prize and the top three anglers in both age categories will receive a trophy and a fishing rod.
Contact: 906-235-7103

Menominee County
Event Name: Kids Fishing Derby
Location: Menominee Marina
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 8 to 11 a.m.
Details: Open to all kids 13 and under. Registration at American Legion grounds at 8 a.m. Free lunch for kids is offered at 11 a.m. Prizes and awards to follow. Visit www.mmglsf.com for more information.
Contact: 906-424-4135

Muskegon County
Event Name: Kids’ Fishing Contest
Location: Whitehall (Goodrich Park)
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Join the White Lake Area Sportfishing Association for this free event. Participants will be broken up into three age groups for both boys and girls and compete for prizes based on biggest fish, heaviest fish, and smallest fish.
Contact: 231-282-1881

Event Name: Spring Fishing Derby
Location: Seven Lakes State Park, 14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: Sponsored by Izaak Walton League of America, Fenton Chapter and Seven Lakes State Park, this Fishing Derby free to participate in. Some fishing equipment will be available for those that don’t have any. There will be plenty of fun and prizes, so bring the whole family. If you’ve never fished before, we’ll have plenty of expert anglers on hand to help you get started, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn something new in the great outdoors! Refreshments will be available. Please note, a Recreation Pasport is required for entry.
Contact: 248-634-7271

Event Name: Rec 101: Intro to Fishing
Location: Bald Mountain Recreation Area, 1330 E. Greenshield Road, Lake Orion
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: To be determined, contact the park
Details: Head to Bald Mountain’s beach and learn all about the great sport of fishing from one of the knowledgeable park staff! All gear will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Please note, a Recreation Pasport is required for entry.
Contact: 248-693-6767

Ogemaw County
Event Name: Free Fishing Fun
Location: Rifle River Recreation Area, 2550 E. Rose City Road, Lupton
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: All day
Details: Held by the explorer guide for every and any one. poles and bait will be provided! but there are a limited number of fishing poles, so feel free to bring your own. Please note, a Recreation Pasport is required for entry.
Contact: 989-473-2258

Ontonagon County
Event Name: 24th Annual Kids Fishing Derby
Location: Ontonagon Harbor Marina
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: Come enjoy Ottawa National Forest for their annual event that offers freebies for every child that registers! Tons of prizes will be given out for events like the casting contest, Supersonic Minnow Races, biggest fish in several categories, fish identification contest, and much more! Plus, see a Fyike Netting Demo at noon. Come join the fun!
Contact: 906-852-3500 (ext. 19)

Ottawa County
Event Name: Fantastic Fish/Fishing 101/Hook, Line & Sinker
Location: Holland State Park, 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10 a.m. (Fantastic Fish), 3 p.m. (Fishing 101) and 6 to 8 p.m. (Hook, Line & Sinker)
Details: Three different events will be held, starting with Fantastic Fish where participants can learn about fish and make a fish craft. Fishing 101 kicks off at 3 p.m. and will provide instruction on how to catch a fish. Then Hook, Line and Sinker starts at 6 p.m. Meet at the channel accross from the beach access booth to catch fish, fishing rods and bait will be provided. Please note, children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Please note, a Recreation Pasport is required for entry.
Contact: 616-399-9390

Roscommon County
Event Name: Catch Us If You Can
Location: Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, Lake St. Helen
Date: Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8
Time: All day, both days
Details: Any angler catching a fish tagged by Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau on the three lakes listed above during Free Fishing Weekend will receive a $50 gas card and be entered in a drawing for $100,000 and a new boat.
Contact: info@visithoughtonlake.com, 989-422-2002

Event Name: Fishing Derby
Location: South Higgins Lake State Park, 106 State Park Drive, Roscommon
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Details: Handouts, games, and prizes for the first caught and largest caught fish. Spend some reel time with your family at this fun event! Please note, a Recreation Pasport is required for entry.
Contact: 989-821-6374

St. Clair County
Event Name: Fishing for Fun
Location: Acheson Ventures, Port Huron
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Join the Bluewater Sportfishing Association as they fish the mouth of the Black River as it enters the St. Clair River.
Contact: v27rue@gmail.com, 810-984-4818

Event Name: Band of Brothers
Location: 1331 Chestnut Street, Port Huron
Date: Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8
Time: All day, both days
Details: Join Blue Water Christian Church as they host their “Wild at Heart” weekend. This event is open to men of all ages and teaches them outdoor activities while developing friendships.
Contact: wrpacey@gmail.com, 586-404-3316

Event Name: River Day
Location: Throughout St. Clair County
Date: Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8
Time: Various times, both days
Details: River Day returns with a full weekend of FREE activities on land and water across St. Clair County’s rivers! Organized by the St. Clair County Health Department, River Day helps families enjoy a day together in the great outdoors which creates memories and environmental stewards. Fishing rods will be available at county library branches. Full event details, times and locations can be found at www.riverdayfun.com.
Contact: riverday@stclaircounty.org, 810-987-5306

Washtenaw County
Event Name: First Casts in Fishing
Location: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: Join us at Rapids View picnic area to try your luck in the Huron River. Rent one of our fishing poles for $3 or bring your own and just pay $1 for bait. Space is limited, please pre-register at 734-426-8211. Please note, an entrance pass is required ($7 for daily or $30 for annual).
Contact: mark.irish@metroparks.com, 734-426-8211

Wayne County
Event Name: 4th Annual Fishing Fest
Location: William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, 1900 Atwater Street, Detroit
Date: Sunday, June 8
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Details: Come enjoy this special opportunity to spend quality time with the kids in your life and create fun, lasting memories for your family all while fishing. Fishing Fest includes FREE food, FREE pole rental for those without one, FREE games and activities, FREE swag, FREE instruction, live DJ and more! Come for an hour or the whole afternoon. Please plan to bring a pole if you have one. Advanced registration is recommended. All other gear and lunch is provided. To pre-register visit www.detroitriverfront.org. All children must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian who will be required to sign a release and waiver form on-site for each participating child. Limited parking available in Rivard Plaza and across from Milliken State Park. Event will be held rain or shine. This is an exciting, free event hosted by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy and PNC Foundation.
Contact: 313-396-0217

Wexford County
Event Name: Free Youth Fishing Derby
Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunt & Fish Center, 6087 M-115, Cadillac
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Details: Meet at the Hunt & Fish Center to register for the derby. Two age divisions will compete, 4 to 10 and 11 to 16 years old. You must register in person on the day of the derby. Prizes will be awarded at 4:30. You must be present to receive a prize. Please note, a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 231-779-1321